Sunset at the Palms: A Hidden Gem in Negril
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
Can Be Reached At
1-763-231-8893
Sunset at the Palms Balcony - Negril, Jamaica
I had always been intrigued by the look of this adults-only property, with its "relaxing jungle vibe." So, the big question was—did this resort have that Costa Rica, Belize, or Panama feel right here in the Caribbean? When I was offered the chance to enjoy dinner and drinks at this boutique gem, I jumped at the opportunity. And, oh boy, I’m so glad I did!
Having traveled to Belize and Costa Rica, while nothing can truly replace those destinations, this resort offered that hidden-away feeling that many travelers crave. While Sunset at the Palms may not be for everyone, it’s absolutely the perfect fit for the right traveler. Let’s dive into what makes this property so special to help you decide if it’s YOUR ideal vacation spot!
Accommodations:
The Sunset at the Palms bungalows are nothing like your typical all-inclusive stay. These unique, luxurious Thai-meets-Polynesian treehouse-style accommodations are nestled within palm trees, offering an experience that feels worlds away from the usual resort. There’s something incredibly relaxing about spending hours on your balcony daybed, gazing at tropical plants, trees, and the occasional bird flying by. At night, the tree frogs serenade you to sleep. With only 85 air-conditioned bungalows, this is a cozy, intimate retreat, combining a rustic yet modern charm that feels both natural and beautiful.
Food:
Sunset at the Palms puts a strong emphasis on health and wellness, all while keeping in mind the diverse preferences of their guests. A snack favorite is the Jamaica Nachos, loaded with jalapeños, onions, jerk sauce, tomato salsa, and cheese—deliciously addictive! Their daily lunch specials are great, but the fried local snapper with escovitch sauce is the true crowd-pleaser.
At Lotus Leaf, their fine dining restaurant, it’s tough to pick a favorite dish as everything is mouthwatering. A few standouts include the roasted rack of lamb with a pesto-rosemary garlic crust, the Beef and Reef (pan-seared jerk beef pave topped with tiger prawns), and the jerk snapper fillet with ginger and garlic herb butter. Pure heaven!
The main buffet restaurant changes styles each night, offering everything from romantic Italian meals to seafood extravaganzas, all with a vegan station inspired by the island’s Ital food culture (think organic veggies like cabbage, carrots, and callaloo).
Beach:
At first, I wondered if being off the beach would be a problem. But honestly, it was never an issue! The resort has a private access area, and the walk to the beach is quick and easy. Plus, there’s a crossing guard to ensure your safety.
Once there, you’ll be greeted with the breathtaking Bloody Bay Beach—the turquoise blue waters are calm and clear with no seaweed in sight (unless there's bad weather, which affects all of Negril). The name "Bloody Bay" comes from its 19th-century whaling history, but don’t let that scare you—it’s all beauty and tranquility today.
They also have a beach grill open from 11 am to 5 pm, plus floaties available for purchase if you want to lounge in the peaceful waters. Security ensures a relaxing beach day with no peddlers to disturb you.
Pool:
One thing that immediately stood out to me was how the pool area stayed vibrant into the night. The swim-up pool bar stays open until 1 am! This was a refreshing change since most swim-up bars close between 5 pm and 6 pm. Keep in mind, however, that lifeguards are only on duty until 3 pm, so after that, swimming is at your own risk. The pool is relatively shallow (4.5 feet), but it’s the perfect spot for evening relaxation.
The Staff:
Over the years, I’ve heard from clients how a resort’s staff can truly make or break their experience. At Sunset at the Palms, you can tell that every single staff member is dedicated to making sure you have an unforgettable trip. The service feels so personal, you truly feel like family.
Another standout feature: this is the only hotel in Jamaica offering VIP arrival service, fast-tracking you through immigration and customs. Let me tell you—this is a top-tier experience and one of my favorite memories in Jamaica!
Why Sunset at the Palms?
Years ago, a client told me, “The true spirit and culture of the Jamaican people lives at this resort,” and I couldn’t agree more. If you’re looking for a peaceful, romantic, nature-filled escape with a touch of live music in the evenings and sensory magic at every turn, this may just be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.
Whether you’re planning a honeymoon or simply a getaway, Sunset at the Palms offers the perfect mix of relaxation, unique experiences, and the kind of personalized service that makes you feel truly special.